Zendaya Explains Dropping Out Of Aaliyah Film

2 years ago

Disney Channel star Zendaya Coleman is explaining why she dropped out of Lifetime's biopic based on the life of the late Aaliyah.

She tells MTV News she backed out of playing the singer in Aaliyah: Princess of R&B because "the project wasn't 100-percent there." On top of that, Zendaya says she felt the film's production was "a little rushed." Because the 17-year-old has admired Aaliyah for much of her life, she couldn't be part of project that didn't meet her standards. However, she did leave the door open to playing Aaliyah if the "right project" comes along in the future.

Since Zendaya removed herself from the project, Lifetime has announced that production is on hold. The film has faced opposition from Aaliyah's family since it was announced in June. They were upset about not being approached for the film and vowed to block it from using any of Aaliyah's music.